General questions

Is The Law Collective a law firm?

No, we are not a law firm and are not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We provide legal advice through The Law Collective Limited (company number 07729699), which is part of how we keep costs down. All our advisors are qualified solicitors but do not currently practice under the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In any situation where we are unable to help, we'll tell you, and can refer you on to someone who can.

Do you help individuals as well as businesses?

Yes, we support both individuals recovering personal debts and small businesses chasing unpaid invoices.

Can you help before I buy a property that has a dispute attached to it?

Yes, understanding an existing dispute before you commit to a purchase can save significant cost and stress later.

Where can I learn more about you?

You can explore other sections of this website, such as the About page or our Blog, to learn more about our company, mission and team.

Legal Advice & Insights for UK Individuals and Small Businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

Family and personal law

How much will it cost?

Our pricing varies depending on your needs and the specifics of your situation. We treat everyone's legal matter individually to ensure you get the most cost-effective advice. We'll always give you a clear picture of likely costs before any work begins so there are no surprise bills. Because we're not a traditional law firm, we can keep your costs low. If there's anything we can't help with, we'll let you know and refer you on to someone who can.

Can you help if I've received a County Court claim for a debt?

Yes, we can help you understand what a claim means, what your options and deadlines are, and how to respond appropriately.

What if someone is claiming I owe them money?

We can advise if you're on the receiving end of a debt claim, helping you understand your position, whether the claim has been properly made, and how best to respond. This is a core part of what we do and we understand this can be a particularly stressful time. We're here to help support and guide you through.

Debt recovery & debtor support

Property and land disputes

Is it always worth pursuing a small debt?

Not always. Recovery action has a cost, and for smaller amounts it isn't always proportionate. We'll give you an honest view of whether pursuing it makes financial sense before you spend anything

What's the difference between mediation and going to court over a debt?

Mediation is a structured conversation aimed at reaching an agreement without court, and it's usually quicker and cheaper. Court action is a formal legal process with set procedures and costs. We'll help you understand which is realistic for your situation.

What if the person or business I'm chasing doesn't have the money to pay?

This is worth checking before you commit to recovery action, since a winning case is only useful if there's something to recover from. We can help you think through this before you proceed.

How quickly can I speak to someone?

Email: info@lawcollective.co.uk or phone call: +44 (0) 1872 709 667 is usually the quickest way to reach us. You can also book a consultation HERE. We aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours.

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Yes, what you share with us is treated in confidence and never shared without your permission.

What if my neighbour won't respond or engage with the dispute?

This is common, and there are still steps available to move things forward. We can advise on the right approach when the other side isn't cooperating.

Do you offer ongoing retainer support, or just one-off advice

Whichever suits your business. Some clients want us on hand as things come up, others prefer one-off advice for a specific issue.

What counts as a land dispute rather than a property dispute?

Land disputes typically involve questions of ownership, access or use that aren't tied to a residential property. For example, a disagreement over a right of way across a field, boundary questions on agricultural land, or shared access to rural land. We advise on both property and land matters, so don't worry about which category your situation fits into, just get in touch and we'll advise the best course of action.

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports you in court if you're representing yourself (a "litigant in person") — helping you organise papers, take notes, and offering quiet advice during the hearing itself. They don't act as your lawyer or speak on your behalf in court, but their support can make a stressful process much more manageable.

Can you help if I'm eligible for Legal Aid?

We can discuss your situation and, where a matter is more appropriately handled through Legal Aid or another service, we'll say so and help point you toward the right support.

Small business, start-ups & entrepreneurs

Is mediation an option for property and land disputes?

Often, yes. Mediation can resolve many property and land disputes without the cost and time of court, and we'll help you understand whether it's a realistic route for your situation.

What's the first step in recovering an unpaid invoice?

Often it starts with a clear, formal letter before further action is needed. We can advise on the right approach for your situation, including when it's worth escalating further.

What if my ex-partner has a solicitor and I don't?

This is a common situation, and it's exactly where our support can help most. Our team are all qualified solicitors but do not currently practice under the Solicitors Regulation Authority. This helps to keep the costs lower so that we can make sure you understand your position and aren't at a disadvantage simply because you don't have formal representation. We can also support in court as a McKenzie Friend.

Do you help with prenuptial or cohabitation agreements?

Yes, we can advise on agreements that set out how finances and property would be handled, whether you're getting married or living together.

Do you provide ongoing support through a case, or just one-off advice?

Both, some clients need a single point of guidance, others want support at each stage of a longer process. We'll agree upfront what fits your situation best.

Do you work with pre-revenue start-ups, or only established businesses?

Both, we work with businesses at every stage, from an idea that hasn't launched yet through to established small and medium companies.

Can you help with a dispute between business partners or shareholders?

Yes, shareholder and partner disputes are sensitive and often urgent, and we help you understand your position and the most practical way through.

Can you review a contract before I sign it?

Yes, getting a contract reviewed before you sign is exactly the kind of quick, practical support we're set up for.

Do you help with employment contracts or HR-related legal questions?

Yes, we can advise on employment contracts and the legal side of taking on staff.

How is working with you different from just using an online contract template?

Templates can be a good starting point, but they don't account for your specific situation or risks and they may be associated with a different legal jurisdiction. We review and tailor agreements to what actually protects your business, and explain the reasoning so you understand what you're signing.

Do I need a solicitor for a boundary dispute?

Not necessarily as a first step. Many boundary disputes can be resolved through clear advice, correspondence, or mediation before court becomes relevant. We'll help you understand the strongest and most cost-effective route for your situation.

Can you help if I'm a tenant, not just a landlord?

Yes, we advise both landlords and tenants on disputes and understand the process from both sides.

Do you deal with commercial property and lease disputes, or only residential?

We advise on both residential and commercial property matters, including lease disputes.